Well, there were more blog problems over the weekend, but here I am again. LAST week’s winners were Cecelia Kelsey and Donna Harris. Congratulations, ladies. Now, a NEW round begins, so get those comments in.

As it sometimes presents a problem when old books are re-released with new covers–per the comment about this year’s holiday hardcover–here’s how to tell if a book has been in print before. Check the copyright page. There, you will see a line that reads “Copyright (year) by Linda Lael Miller”. Since books are often released multiple times, for those who haven’t seen them before, there might be several years listed in this manner. The earliest one is the original date of publication.

Next year, there will be a brand new Christmas book, I’m happy to say, set in Mustang Creek, Wyoming, the setting for my new “Bliss County” series.

I spent the weekend resting, listening to books, and painting a little, mostly on artist trading cards. I finally finished reading “W is for Wasted”, by Sue Grafton–it was very good. Now, to await “X is for–?”

I was in a ghost story mood, so I listened to Jack Cady’s “Ghosts of Yesterday”, and genuinely enjoyed the short stories–a few of which weren’t all that short. Very different stuff, and powerful writing. Now I’m into “The Power of Right Believing”, by Joseph Prince, and that one is good, too. If Christian inspiration is your thing, you’d probably like this book a lot. Have also downloaded Donna Tartt’s new novel, “The Goldfinch.” My tastes are definitely eclectic.

On a personal note, my mom was trapped for two and a half hours in an elevator last Friday. She’s being a sport about it, as usual, even cracking jokes, but her three daughters, including moi, are seriously annoyed. What is the point of an emergency button if pressing it repeatedly produces no response? Things happen, and I won’t drone on about this, but–really. This is a retirement center, after all, full of elderly folks, some of whom are very frail.

Physically, I’m feeling better than ever–Weight Watchers always has that effect on me. Don’t know why I resist things I know will help–except that I’m famously contrary–which is apparently a Lael family trait. I’m trying out some new recipes and staying on track.

Today, I’m working on the new story and, later on, getting acupuncture. That always helps me a lot. Bernice is resting up after a Sunday visit from Wendy, Jeremy and their lively golden retriever, Margie. Margie is a sweetheart, but still a puppy, so Bernice, being elderly, is nervous of all that energy. The cats completely disappear when she’s around. Nonetheless, Margie is part of the family, too, so we put up gates and do the best we can to keep all the four-footers happy. It works out pretty well.

Jeremy had placed some dried cornstalks by the front door for atmosphere, this being October and everything, but we had to move them. Bernice, being 13, doesn’t see or hear as well as she used to, glimpsing them through a side window and doubtless seeing a nebulous shape, got alarmed and yapped incessantly. As I write this, my brave guard dog is snoozing in her little bed beside my desk.

Good Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise, I’ll be back to blog tomorrow, and every day this week.

I am excited to read the new series. I have begun to suspect that publishers move a book to a different section of the publisher because I have bought books that by the publication date looked new but I had actually read before. Most of the time I can enjoy them or donate to a retirement center.

Glad you’re feeling better with weight
Watchers!!! Keep inspiring me! Went to the doctor
Today for routine blood work and I closed my
Eyes when they weighed me!! I asked them
Not to tell me! Love you!!

My Mama was in a nursing home, and I can tell you for the truth…they don’t worry about emergency buttons, flashing lights over the doors, or much of anything else. They have to talk on their cells phones and they KNOW what THAT person wants, so they can just wait. Not a good attitude.

Love to hear all of your stories about your interests. I know what you mean about your mother’s adventure in the elevator. I also live in a retirement village and the elevator in our building was out of order for a full day. We have folks that use scooters and walkers who cannot do stairs. Everyone was okay even though they were stuck in their rooms for awhile. Can’t wait for the last book in the big sky series. I have purchased Casey’s necklace and Brylee’s bracelet. Love them

Oh my. Sorry to hear that news about your Mom. That must have been a horrible experience for her. I totally would have freaked out. My Mom was in an Alzheimer’s facility and one night a resident started wandering around and pushed her out of her bed onto the floor. Luckily she wasn’t injured just some bruises but that was frightening enough for me.
Glad Weight Watchers is working! My girlfriend swears by it too.
Happy Fall everyone.

I hope your mom is okay after the elevator being stuck. I worked in a hospital and that was always on my mind. I was afraid that the elevator would stop with myself and a sick patient. Luckily it never happend

Beautiful fall day , the sun is shining and I should start straightening the house. Having 8 ladies in for lunch on Tues. But “Big Sky Wedding” is calling me so I will spend an hour reading.
Hope your Mom is doing OK. I think it would be terrible to be stuck in a elevator.

Gee, you are one active lady!! With all that you are into don’t see how you finish anything. Haven’t heard you mention the quilt you started on, so guess it’s waiting it’s turn for you to alight on that project again. I enjoy having several projects going @ once myself :). Did Wendy & Jeremy get married & I missed the announcement? You mentioned about a year ago they were planning it for this year. So sorry your mom had that experience :(. Things could have been worse, tho, & I hope the problem has since been fixed! I enjoy your daily blogs
Blessings,
SherryNan
PS congrats to the winners!

Wow! you are one busy lady! I soooooo enjoyed the Big Sky Wedding book that you sent me and thanks so much for signing it! It is a treasure I will keep a long time!!!!! Understand all about the four legged animals! My dog is a great big WIMP when it comes to anything different or noisy!! Good thing he doesnt bark much but he sure can find the smallest hole to get into when he is scared!!!LOL! This be a Great Pyrenees who is such a baby! Love him to death though! A rescue that has turned into the most lovable dog imaginable! Have a wonderful week writing and can’t wait for the next book and the new series!!!!!!!

Always excited to hear of a new book! I have been thinking about starting weight watchers again. It has always worked well for me, but I didn’t know how it would go because of the holidays. Hope you have a great week!

The apparent complacency of some retirement and nursing home workers continues to boggle my mind! Some residents of these establishments do use emergency buttons to excess, but their thoughtless action is no reason for caregivers to lapse into carelessness; hence your mother’s dilemma. I hope your ire was felt by all!!

Good evening Linda, I see you had a busy weekend as usual, glad your mother is doing well. Saturday I did absolutely nothing, Sunday I walked in the Lupus Walk with one of my oldest and dearest friends,, we have been buddies since we were 7 yrs old ( we are now 57) her sister died of Lupus in 2004. We had a wonderful dinner afterwards, so until next week , have a good week.

Good to see your blog up and running again, Linda. Also glad Weight Watchers is going well for you.
So funny about Bernice. We do what we can for them at that age. I can just picture it though. Maybe the ghost stories you’ve been reading is transfering through to her!!! Blesssings.

Can’t wait to read any of your books that I haven’t. I did find one in Walmart but was in a hurry so will get it next time. Bob is gone elk hunting and his little Jack Russell has become my lap dog. She usually is just Bob’s dog. My little poodle is very jealous. He thinks Pistol is invading his private property. Take care – Blessings.

I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s experience. Two and a half hours in an elevator have got to be scary! I can definitely understand your frustration. Your mother sounds like quite a lady. She certainly has more pluck than I would.

The books all sound interesting, and I’m making a note so I can borrow them from the library. I’ll have to wait a bit for W, though. I’m still at E. Hmm. I wonder what the X title will be?

I got a chuckle out of picturing the dogs at your house. On holidays my son brings his dog, who is on the larger side, he’s part Golden and part Lab, Dude, and his tail alone will destroy things! I live in an apartment so space is tight and I have a dog who is part Golden and English Setter. She’s smaller than Dude, but still big enough and she loves to aggravate Dude like a sister! This year we will get to experience all this with a new grand baby (he was born in June) so I can only imagine the chaos we will have, but laughs none the less!

I was so sorry to hear what your mother had to experience that sure had to be scarey for her. I hope things look brighter and much better from here on.

I love your books and loved the BIG SKY series. I do book reviews and also have a small library in my home where friends and neighbors stop in and borrow books from me. I always wanted to do a public library on a small scale but between insurance and lack of funds I decided to open my home up instead and it is not a public library in the way it’s not funded by anyone or any government and not made public for everyone to know of it. I do it for friends and their friends so it is word of mouth sort of thing. I also have a table of author’s promo items for people who stops in can check out new authors and their books. If you are interested in sharing any promo items for my table, I will gladly place them. I will gladly give reviews on your books if you have a special place you want them sent, just let me know. Thanks for your time. Sue Leech, 1273 Strahan rd., New Columbia, PA 17856

Know how your Mom felt about being trapped in an elevator! I had it happen to me 2 times when I worked. First time I was by myself and when the fellow answered the phone I told him where I was and all that good stuff and I heard him laugh and say she sounds like a crazy one and it was then that I realized I still had the phone in my hand! When the doors opened I was so happy to get out I didn’t realize there was a high space between the floor and them, I stepped out and fell flat on my face! Next time I was stuck there with a fellow associate and a hugh bin filled with papers that we were taking to the shredding room. As I leaned over to call and let them know we were stuck I fell into the bin and had to stay there til we were freed. That one I never heard the end of!! I’m just glad that your Mom is a-ok! Take care and feel better!!

IT IS VERY NICE TO HEAR YOU ARE COMING OUT WITH A NEW SERIES, I WILL BE BUYING IT. I LOVE YOUR BOOKS AND CANT GET ENOUGH OF THEM. I STARTED BUYING HARD COVERED SINCE YOURS ARE THE ONLY BOOKS I KEEP. IN REGARDS WITH THE ELEVATOR- HY DO THEY HAVE THE ELDERLY ON 3 FLOORS WITH AN ELEVATOR. THEY SHOULD BE ON A RANCH STYLE SO THEY COULD WALK AND NEVER BE STUCK, ME I WOULD HAVE BEEN GOING CRAZY IN THAT BOX. YOUR VERY LUCKY TO STILL HAVE A PARENT, ENJOY EVERYDAY WITH HER, EVEN JUST A TALK ON THE PHONE. KEEP UP THE REAT WORK.